Web tension controlling mechanism



Nov. 22, 1932. c, s, 1,888,549

WEB TENSION CONTROLLING MECHANISM Filed Aug. 28, 1928 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 WK cw A ORNEY Nov. 22, 1932. c. s. CRAFTS WEB TENSION CONTROLLING MECHANISM Filed Aug. 28. 1928 ssneets-sheet 2 l/ld Nov. 22, 1932. c. s. CRAFTS WEB TENSION CONTROLLING MECHANISM Filed Aug. 28, 1928 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 NE V/l/l/IlllN Nov. 22, 1932. c. s. CRAFTS WEB TENSION CONTROLLING MECHANISM Filed Aug. 28, 1928 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 on QM haw QQN MQN NOV. 22, 1 932. s, F 1,888,549

WEB TENSION CONTROLLIfIG MECHANISM Filed Aug. 28, 1928 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Nov. 22, 1932. c. s. mans- 1,888,549 Q WEB' TENSION CONTROLLING MECHANISM I Filed Aug. 28, 1928 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Q f 1 NTOR BY J 8 g i I ATT NEY.

Patented Nov. 22, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CURTIS S. CRAFTS, 01 OAK PARK, ILLINOIS, ASBIGNOR 'IO GOSS PRINTING PRESS CO1" PANY, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS WEB TENSION CONTROLLING MECHANISM Application filed August 28, 1928. Serial No, 802,480.

The invention relates to novel and useful improvements in mechanism for controlling the feed of a web from a supply roll, and more especially to such improvements in 5 mechanism for supplying and regulating the supply of a web from one or more web supply rolls to a fast rotary printing press or like machine.

Objects and advantages of the invention will be P t'forth in part hereinafter and in part will be obvious herefrom, or may be earned by practice with the invention, the same being realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations pointed out in the appended claims.

The invention consists in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and improvements herein shown and de scribed.

The accompanying drawings, referred to herein and constitutmga part hereof, illustrate one embodiment of the invention, and together with the descriptiomserve to ex- 7 plain the principles of the invention.

Of the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary elevation of a mechanism embodying the invention- Fig. 2 is a fragmentary, transverse,.vertical section, on an enlarged scale, taken substantially on line '2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 1' s a horizontal section, taken on line 3--3 of Fig. 1; v

Fig. 4 is a horizontal section, taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 1;

.5 Fig. 5 is a fragmentary, vertical, transverse section, taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a detail horizontal section, taken.

on line 66 of Fig. 1

Fig. 7 is a side elevation of a somewhat 40 different embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8 is a'r-ffragmentary, vertical, transverse view, taken on line 88 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a side elevation of a somewhat different embodiment of the invention; Fig. 10 is an enlarged detail top plan of tion on the web roll by means which is governed by the tension of the runnin web.

In addition, the invention provi es means of the kind described, whereby in various" forms and arrangements of mounting of the web supply rolls, a plurality of roll supporting and braking mechanisms are rovided, so that the lead end of a fresh we ma be attached to a nearly exhausted web, by a flye5 ing paster or otherwise; without disturbin the control of the braking mechanism 0 either or any of the web rolls by a single webengaging, brake-controlling mechanism. In

connection with the capacities stated, means are provided for the rapid and easy removal of the exhausted rolls, shafts and brake pulleys, and the insertion of a fresh roll with its shaft and pulleys.

The invention is also directed to the o tional or elective controlfrom a single webengaging, brake-regulating mechanism of one or aplurality of simultaneously running webs, and the web rolls and their respective braking mechanisms, whereby single full width webs, or a plurality of arti-width webs may be run simultaneously, t ereby contributingto great facility and flexibility in running different size products, especiall where requiring or utillzing narrow widt webs. The invention provides further for quick and positive regulation or setting of the tension for the full width roll, or for the various narrow widths of rolls.

The foregoing and other objects are like- 90 wiseembodied in conjunction with means for communicatmg the regulatory movements of a roller, or like device, held in spring tension ebuke pressure thereby created to react so as to steady the movements of said web engaging roller due to variations in the tension of the running web.

With these and other objects in view in the present exemplary embodiment, a plurality of web roll brake mechanisms are provided in conjunction with a plurality of web-engaging, brake-controlling devices, with connections whereby one of the controlling devices may control a plurality of brake mechanisms or a single controlling device and a single brake-mechanism may operate together as a unit. Available for cooperation therewith are s ring tension means which may be set at di erent degrees of tension for narrow-width rolls, as three-quarter, half and uarter width rolls.

Said embodiment includes also a structure and arrangement of brake mechanisms which arelocated below the journals for the web roll mandrels or shafts, and which open at the top, thereby facilitatin and simplifying the removal ofan exhausted roll with 1ts shaft and brake ulley, and the insertion of a fresh roll, s aft'and brake pulley, and the application of the brake to the latter.

It will be understood that the fore oing general description and the appended detail escription are exemplary an explanatory of the inventiombut are not restrictive there- Referring now in detail to the embodiment of the invention illustrated by way of exam le the accompanyin drawings, there is s own (Figs. 1-6) a mec anism wherein-a lurality of web roll-supporting and web eed-regulating devices are connected to a single web-tension controlled feed regulatingmechanism. In said embodied form, two websupply rolls ,a and b are su ported by their s aft ends at either side 0 the press, the rolls being also located at either side of a. vertical frame standard 1 at either side of the press. Each of the vertical frame mem-' bers 1 .is provided with horizontally-extendlng-brackets or side frame plates 2 and 3 each of these frame plates providing a journal support for the corresponding web-supexhausted roll can, be lifted out and that of a full fresh roll substituted. Fixed to one end of the mandrel is a brake pulley 12, having a V-shaped peripheralgroove 14, with which coo rate the arcuate, V-sh-aped shoes of the bra mechanism.

In the embodied form of brake mechanism,

two arcuate, V-shaped shoes 19 and 21 are pivoted, respectively, at 22' and 23 to median .or central portions of corresponding brake arms 24 and 25, the brake arms, respectively,

being pivotally connected at 26 and 27 to the ends of corresponding arms of supporting and actuating bell-crank levers 28 and 29. Levers 28 and 29 are pivotally supported, respectively, at 30 and 31. by a supporting bracket 32. Bracket 32 not only serves as a support for the brake mechanism but is also laterally slidable to register the web roll with the plate cylinders; Accordingly the bracket is mounted upon a supporting and guiding rod 33, projecting laterally from the frame bracket 2 or 3. The other ends of the bell crank levers 28 and 29-are'connected together by means of a pin and slot connection 34, whereby the two levers move together, under the control of the web-engaging brake-regulating roller, later to be described. To constitute a connection to said tension controlling means, bell-crank lever 29 has fixed thereto an additional arm 35 and there are connections, from this arm to the web ten- Sion controlled. brake governing device later to'be described.

At the opposite ends of the brake arms from the bell cranks 28 and 29, the arms are connected together by a rod 39, pivotally connected at 40-to the end of one brake arm, and lying in a slotted opening 41 in the end of the other brake arm 24. Rod 39 is screwthreaded at the outer end, and a nut or threaded hand-wheel 42 is screwed thereon, and abuts against the outer face of the arm 24. This mechanism holds these upper ends of the two brake arms in any desired position, the nut 42 serving to regulate the friclOU tional effect of the brake shoes'upon the pulley for any given movement of the regulating levers 28 and 29 at the other end of the brake arms 24 and 25. The brake arms may be laid open from the top. by turning the pivoted free to rock backwardly about their respective pivot points 26 and 27. Supporting pins 44 are fixed to and project outwardly from the frame to support the brake arms 1 rod 39 upwardly, and the brake arms are then in the open or roll-receiving position. Thus, an exhausted roll with its mandrel and brake pulley may be lifted out of its journals 10,

and a fresh web supply roll with its mandrel and brake pulley be mounted in the bearings, and'by rocking upwardly the brake arms 24 and 25, and moving screw rod 39 to the closed-position, as shown in Fig. 1,

thebrakingmechanism is in operative conthe feeding requirements of the press or other web-supplied machine. Furthermore, the braking action, by reason of the positively connected intermediate parts, reacts to steady the action of the web-engaging tension roller or equivalent device. In the embodied form of said means shown in Figs. 16, a link 55 is pivotally connected at one end 56 to the lower end of the arm of the brake-controlling-lever 29, the other end of said link being pivotally connected at 57 to a bellcrank lever 58 which'is pivotally supported at -59 upon the frame. A slotted guiding bracket may be provided, the end of lever 55 working in the slot, which serves as a guide and also to prevent lateral strain or movement of this mechanism during transverse registration of the web roll, as will be later described.

In tie embodiment exemplified in Figs. 1 to 6, both web vroll braking mechanisms are connected to a single web-engaging tensiongoverned, brake-controlling roller. In said embodiment, accordingly, a connecting rod 88 is pivotally connected to the levers 58 of both braking mechanisms. For this purpose,

. rod 68, at its lower end, is provided with a pin 64; projecting from. either side thereof. At one side pin 84 is in an elongated aperture in the end of one of the two'levers 58 and at the opposite side it is in an elongated aperture 66 in the other lever 58. Suitable guiding devices 87 are provided for the connecting rod 68. At itsupper end 69, red 63 is pivoted to one end of a bell-crank lever 70 1 and 2). The bell-crank lever 70 is on a shaft 3'7, which shaft is journa-led in either side frame of the press. Belhcrank lever '79 is provided at its other end-with an elongated aperture 80, within which is one pintle 81 of the web-engaging, tension-governed roller 82. A roller is preferably enrpioyed for the web-engaging member, although other forms or such member may be employed if desired. -fiixed to the opposite end of. 77 is a corresponding arm. 84:, and this arm also has an elongated opening 85 in the end thereof with n which is the other pintle 86 of the roller 82. The pintles of the roller 82 are j'ournaled in slidable boxes 8? and 88, which are slidably mounted, respectively, in guideways 89 and 90 formed in two bracket plates 91 and 92 which are fined to and extend from therespective side frames 1 of the machine. v

The embodied form of spring tension means acting upon the web-engaging roller 82 is constructed to maintain the spring tension practically uniform. throughout the range of movement ofthe web-engaging roller 82. Cooperating with said spring tension means are manually regulable means for varying the spring tension of the roller 82 against the web, this means being capable of regulation while the web is running. In

the embodied form, an internally-recessed hub 99 is fixed by a. pin 100 on shaft 77. One end of a helical spring 101 is nested Within and fixed to the recessed portion of hub 99. Spring 101 encircles the shaft 77, and is of 'sufiicientlength so that the ceiling and uncoiling of the spring for even the widest range of movement of the roller 82 is relatively so small that the spring tension is not appreciably or materially changed. The other end of springlOl is nested and fixed within a recess in one end of the hub 103 of a worm- ;(heel 104, which is loosely journaled on shaft In mesh with worm-wheel 104 is a worm 105, fixed on a shaft 106, which shaft is journaled in brackets 107, integral with and ex:- tending outwardly from the frame side bracket 92. Fixed on one end of shaft 108 is a bevel gear 108, and meshing therewith is a bevel gear 109, which is fixed on a shaft 110, 'ournaled in a boss 111 formed on the side racket'92 of the frame. Fixed to the exterior end of shaft is a hand-wheel 112. The'worm wheel 104 referably has a roller bearing 113 between it; and shaft 2"2, which conduces to easy operation of the mechanism, By turning the hand wheel 112, and therewith the worm 105, worm-wheel 104 is turned,

and thereby the tension of thespring 101 which is exerted on the shaft 77 and therefrom upon the web-engaging roller 82, may be varied as desired irrespective of whether or not the web is running.

Web-directing means of any suitable form.

is provided, and as embodied the web is'led over one or more guide rolls 117. @ne guide roller 118, is preferably variably positionable to compensate tor difi'erences in the tension transversely of the web. bodied, one pintle 121 of this roller is gicurnaled in a bracket 122, fixed to and extending outwardly from one of the side frames 1.

This bearing is internally of curved or spool shape, as shown in Fig. 3, to permit angular movement of the roller hearing. The opposite pintle 123 of roller 118 is journaled in a slidablejournal box 124, which is mounted in a guide 125 formed in the frame bracket 92. Connected to the outer side of the 50111: 119.1 box 124 is a threaded rod 127, which is. screw threaded into the metal at the end of l ke emguideway 125. A locking nut 128 is screwthreaded upon rod 127, to hold the roller 118 accurately and firmly in the desired position.

. of said means,

\ bracket 138, which is fixed at 140 to the outer end of the supporting rod 135. Screw-rod The web passes from the roll 118 over the tension regulating roller 82' and thence over suitable guide rollers, such as roller 131, journaled at 132, in the side bracket plates 91 and 92. I

Means are provided for registering the web roll with the plates on the press cylinders by moving the web roll and itsshaft longitudis nally of its axis, thereby to bring the web roll into accurate registry with the press cylinders without disturbing its relation to the braking mechanism. In the embodied form 7 the supporting .bracket .32, (upon which, it will be recalled, the levers 28 and 29 are pivotally supported) is slidably mounted upon a supporting rod 135 (Figs. 1 and 5) which is fixed to, and extends outwardly from, the side frame of the press. A

screw-threaded rod or shaft 136 is rotatably mounted at 137 in the press side frame, and is also journaled near its opposite end in a 136 is provided with a hand-wheel 139. By rotating hand-wheel 139 and therewith screw-rod 136, the brake-supportingbracket 32 will move along the rod 135 either toward or from the press frame, and b rea son of the pivotal mounting upon said racket of the levers 28 and 29, and the en agement of the brake shoes 19 and 21 with bra e pulley 12, shaft 9 and its web supply roll will be correspondingly longitudinally moved, thereby bringing the web into desired register with the printing plates upon the press cylinder.

To permit this lateral movement of the brakin mechanism, the pivotal connection 56 igs. 1 and 5) for connecting rod 55, is

formed as a pivot rod mounted in a yoke141, formed in the lower part of the. lever arm 35. The'slotted bracket holds the connecting ;rod 55 from lateral movement, as the lever arm 35 moves with the brake mechanism, and the pivot rod 56slides in the aperture ,in the connecting rod 55.

Figs. 7 vand 8 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein it is adapted to .two web supply-s rolls mii'unted on the same side of the vertically-disposed press supporting frame. The facility with which an exhausted roll with its mandrel and brake pulley ma be removed and a fresh roll inserted in either of the sets of supporting bearings will be clear from said figures. The alternate use of bothweb roll supporting and controlling mechanisms also permits flying pastors to be made, whether arranged as shown in these or the preceding figures. The

- connections between the respective'brake -mechanisms and the web-enga g tension regulating "roller in this emborfi ment, is of somewhat different form. In these figures, the lever arms corresponding to the lever arms 35 in the preceding figures are connected to a connecting rod or link 161, by yokes while the and pins 141 on thelever working in open ended slots in projections on the link. The link is supported and held against lateral displacement by slotted lugs 162. Connecting rod 161 is ivotally connected at. its other end 163 to a' be l-crank lever 164, which is pivoted upon the frame at 165. Pivotally connected to the other end of bell-crank lever-164a at 167 is a connecting rod 168, which rod is pivotally connected at its other end 169 to one end of a bell-crank lever-170 which bell crank lever is fixed on a shaft 171 journaled in bearings 172 on either side frame of the press. a

The means for regulating the springtension for the web-engaging, tension-regulating roller is mounted upon the shaft 171, as will be later described. The bell-crank lever 170 at its other end 175, is pivotally connected to one end of a link 177, which link at its opposite end'is pivotally connected to a slidable journal box 178, in which is journaled one pintle of the web-engaging roller 82. Fixedsite end of shaft 171 is an arm 181 which at 1ts outer end 182 is pivotally connectto the op ed to one end of a connecting rod 183. Rod 183 is pivoted at its other end to a sliding journal box 178, which is likewise slidable in the corresponding guideway 179 in the bracket I 187 at the opposite side of the press. 7

In the'form of spring tension means shown in Figs. 7 and 8 of the drawings, a hollow hub 191 is fixed on shaft 171'by means of apin 192. One end of a helical spring 193 is nested within and fixed to the hollow hub 191, and the opposite end of said spring is nested within and fixed to the hollow hub 194 of a wormis of sufiicient length so that the spring tension action upon the web engaging roller 82 will be practically uniformv throu hout the entire rangeof movement of the rol er.

Any suitable additional means may be provided for guiding the web, and preferably comprise a guide roller which is laterally adjustable to compensate for variations in tension laterally of the'web. As embodied, a guide roller 205 is mounted in journal boxes 206, slidable in guideways 207 formed in the support ng brackets 187 at either side of the machine. Pivotcd to the slidable journal boxes 206 are rods 209, which are longitudinally movable in recesses in the ends of the respective side. brackets 187. A hand-nut 210 is screw-threaded upon the outer end of the respective rods 209, and a spring 211 is in ress is running. The spring 193 t tension between the slidable journal box 206 and the end of the opening in the bracket 187. Thereby a variation of position and aregulation of spring tension is applicable to either end of the guide roller 205', the regulation of position and of spririg tension at either end being independent of those at the other end. A suitable guide roller 212 is mounted in the brackets 187 at the other side of the tension regulating roller.

In Figs.'9 and is disclosed an embodiment of a feature of the invention whereby two web-engaging tension-regulating mechanisms are provided in connection with two web-roll supporting and braking mechanisms, so that a single web-engaging roller may be employed to control either of the braking mechanisms and its web roll, which may be running to supply the press, while a fresh web roll is being supplied to the other mechanism, or both web-engaging tension regulating rollers may be simultaneously employed, one controlling one brake mechanism and the other controlling the other brake mechanism, when narrow-width web rolls are being run from both web supplying means through the press and are printed simultaneously. 1

The web-engaging tension regulating.

mechanism and the brake mechanisms shown in Fig. 3, are of substantially the same form as are shown in Figs. 1 to 6, and accordingly.

are shown in Fig. 9 only in their general features or outlines. The connecting links inthis embodiment, are connected at their respective ends 221 and 222 to. corresponding arms 223 and 224- of a pair of bell-crank levers, pivotally supported, respectively, at 225 and 226 upon the machine frame 1 (Figs. 2 and 10). One of these bell-crank levers connects to one brake mechanism, and the other hell-crank lever connects to the other brake mechanism; The other arms 227 and 228, respectively, of these bell-cranks are designed so that they may be operated togather or separately, as may be desired. in view, arm 227 has a closed yoked portion 235, which is recessed medianly of the yoke portion to receive a pivot pm 236, which is screw-threaded at 237 into one wall of the yoked portion of the lever 227, and is d with a bent turning end 238, This a pivot pin for the lower end of the grod 241, which connects with the lover of the web-engaging tensionating roller, and corresponds to the connesting rod 63 shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings. The lever arm 227 terminates in a tail 2&2, extending beyond the closed yoke porv 'tion already described, and fitting within the fcrked'end of the other bell-crank arm 228, and thistail end has an elongated'slot 243 termed. therein. lever 228 terminates. in an open yoked F portion, or forked end havingarms 249 and between the tail 242 of arms 249 and 250 of. the lever 228, the two 250, which embrace with free play the tail 242 I I of the/lever arm 227 A pivot pin 251 rests in recesses formed in the arms-249 and 250 of the lever arm 228, and is screw-threaded at 252 into the yokearm 250, and is provided with a bent turning end 253. Near the outer end of the arms 249 and 250 are apertures 255 and 256, the aperture 256 being screwthreaded to receive one of the screw-threaded pivot pins.

When the two web-engaging tension-regulating rollers are to operate the corresponding brake mechanisms separately, the mechanism is in the position of Fig. 10, the connecting rod 241 being pivotally connected b pin 236 tolever arm 227, and the correspond mg connecting rod 259 being likewise pivotally connected b the pin 251 to the lever arm 228. There eing then no connection ver 227 and the yoke mechanisms will operate independently of I each other.

When it is desired to simultaneousl trol two narrow width rolls'from eith the web-engaging tension regul that is,

coner of to control both brake mechanisms from one web-engaging 'tension-regulating roller, say, for exam le, the left-hand tension regulating roller in i g. 9, connecting rod 241 would be pivotall connected by pin 236 with lever arm 227. in 251, however, would be unscrewed from pivotal connection with the connecting rod 259, and would be inserted in aperture 255 in leven arm 249. It would thus project through the elongated slot 243m the tail 242 of lever 227, and would be screwthreaded into the aperture 256 in the arm 250 of lever 228. Thus, when connecting rod 241 was moved either upwardly or downwardly in response to the movements of the web-engaging tension-regulatin roller 82, both levers 227 and 228 woul be moved correspondingly through their connection pivot pin in the apertures 255, 243 an 256,

ating rollers,

the

and both brake mechanisms would be controlled by the one web-engaging tension regulating roller 82.

In accordance with one feature of the invention means are provided for varying the spring tension on the brake regulating mecha nism for difierent widths of web supply rolls, where this is found'tobe either deslrable or necessary. An embodiment of such means is shown in Fig. 11 applied exemplaril to a compression spring. n said figure, a exible stra 261 is hxed to shaft 171 at 262, the fiexi le strap passing about the shaft 171. The other end of this strap is fixed in a block 263 by means of a pin 264. Carried in an aperture'passing through the block 263 is a U-shaped' hook 267, both ends of which terminets in short spring-engagin Y books 268.

the hook 267. A second u-shaped hook 273,

is oppositel disposed within the spring 269, and its en s terminate in spring-engaging hooks 274, which extend over and rest upon 7 the upper end of the spring 269. The median transverse reach of hook 269 passes through an aperture in a block 275. F astened to and extending from the lower end of block 275 is a screw-threaded rod 276, which is threaded into one end of a hand-nut 277.

Screwed into the opposite end of the handnut is a screw rod 278, the lower end of the rod 278 being screw-threaded and extending loosely through an aperture in a bracket 280 fixed on the supporting frame pillar 1. A hand-nut 281 is screw-threaded on the lower end of the rod 278, and bears against the. lower face of the bracket 280. Indicating means are preferably provided, and as embodied a collar .282 is fixed on the rod 278, and has a finger 283 extending laterally therefrom. A plate 284 is fixed to the frame pillar 1, and is preferably provided with a scale 285. This scale may be marked at the proper tension for a full roll, a three-quarter width roll, a half-width roll or a quarter width roll.

, fBZ turning the hand-wheel 281, the tension e s ring 269 as it afiects the shaft 171 and the rake mechanism may be varied for these different widths as desired or required;

The hand-nut 277' constitutes an auxiliary regulating means for further nicely varying the tension. Inaccordance with this feature of the invention corresponding means may .be applied to the spring coiled about the shaft 171, in which case the tension varying means would be adapted for a torsion spring.

In operating the mechanism, it is customary to set the spring with respect to the tension on the we roller 82 is substantially at'a middle point in its range of travel, the s ring, such as the springlOl or 269, thereby alancing the'web to prevent any excessive and distur tension. Any variation of the tension in either direction produces a corresponding movement of the web-engaging roller 82', and

this movement is commumcated tothe brake mechanism to'compensatingly increase ordecrease the brake pressure, in order to brin the web-tension back to the predetermine normal or standard. By reason ofthe rigid and direct connections between the webengaging roller 82 and the brake mechanism,

the brake pressure reacts directly and constantly to steady the web-engaginggoller and mg movement thereof. 7

The invention in its broaderaspects is not limited to the specific mechanisms shown and described but departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the accompanying claims without departin \from the principles of the invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages.

so that the web-engaging ing means, a

What I claim is 1 1. A web supplying means including in combination a plurality of horizontally-dis:

posed web roll supporting devices having roll 4 I shaft journals, brake mechanisms for said roll supporting devices, openable to permit free access to said journals from above, webengaging means for controlling said brake mechanisms, said means being connected to the brake mechanism by positive connections transmitting the movements of the web engaging means and the brake mechanism to each other.

2. A web supplying means including in combination a plurality of horizontally-disposed web roll supporting devices having roll shaft journals, brake mechanisms for said rollsupporting devices, openable to permit free access to said journals from above, webengaging means for alternatively controlling said brake mechanisms, said means being connected to the brake mechanisms by positive connections transmitting themovements of the web engaging means and the brake mechanisms to eac other. 7

3. A web supplying means including in combination a plurality of horizontally-disposed web roll supporting devices having roll shaft journals, brake mechanisms for said roll supporting devices, openable to perm1t free access to said 'ournals from above, web-engaging means or controlling said brake mechanisms and connected to the lower end of the brake mechanisms, said means being connected to the brake mechanisms by positive connections transmitting the mov'eseparate brake mechanisms independently of each other. r

, 5. A ,web supplying means including in combination a plurality of web roll supporturality of brake mechanisms,

a plurality o web-engaging brake controlling devices,connections from a web-engag-.

ing device to a brake mechanism, connections from another web-engaging device to another brake mechanism, and means for disconnectin one of the brake mechanisms from its we engaging device and for connectin it to operate with another web-engaging evice and its connected brake mechanism.

6. A web supplying means including in combination a luralityv of web roll supportdevices may concurrently;

ing means, a p urality of brake mechanisms therefor, a plurahty of web-engaging brake controlling devices, positively connected link each independently control a single brake and lever connections between said web-engaging devices and said brake mechanisms,

may control a plurahty'of brake mechanisms,

or a plurality of'web-engaging devices may,

mechanis In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification.

CURTIS S. CRAFTS. 

